Rule of Three When Adopting A Dog

At Great Plains SPCA, we take pride in offering a lifelong, full-circle approach for pets and their human companions with our three-pronged approach: prevention, adoption and retention. Part of that approach is educating adopters on realistic expectations for their new canine companion’s acclimation to the home. This is where the Rule of Three comes in.

The Rule of Three revolves around the concept that it takes time for new pets to adjust to their new home. More specifically, you will see progress in your pets’ acclimation to your home within 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months.

Rule of Three When Adopting

3 Days: Within three days, your new pet is slowly opening up, learning your routine and figuring out how they fit in.
  • Your pet may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious, may not be comfortable enough to show their true personality and may test boundaries.
3 Weeks: Within three weeks, your pet understands they are yours and what their place in your home is.
  • Your pet is feeling more comfortable, getting used to your routine, showing their true personality and displaying new behaviors.
3 Months: Within three months, your pet is an official established member of your family.
  • Your pet feels comfortable in your home, has built trust and a true bond with you, is set in a routine and understands your expectations. It’s important to note that bumps in the road may still surface after three months and that continued consistency, routine and training will support your pet’s long term success in the home.

Whether you are a new pet parent, know someone who has recently adopted or are considering adopting, we hope you will find this information useful!

Have questions about a pet’s adjustment period or overall behavior in the home? The Great Plains SPCA Behavior and Training Team offers phone, email and in-home consultations to the public to support pets and their human companions. Email behaviorteam@greatplainsspca.org to get started.

Scroll to Top
Skip to content